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The second round of the Group Three Arabian Triple Crown was the highlight at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening and Richard Hills made every yard of the running on the Musabah Al Muhairi-trained Tenor Des Vialettes who also won the first round, as well as the UAE Arabian Derby.

The 2200m is quite a stamina test for these four year olds but Hills was allowed to dictate a steady pace before quickening as they turned for home. It developed into a sprint and Hills` mount responded gamely to hold off Frynchman and Hills said: "I was happy out in front setting that steady tempo and he quickened well when I asked him – then he has really battled. He is a tough horse and a nice youngster as that was only his fourth start it would be nice to think there is more to come."

Hills promptly doubled up in the only Thoroughbred race, a 2200m conditions race and Prep for the Group Three Emirates Championship. Monte Alto won that he end of season feature last year for Champion Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe and will be strongly fancied to do so again after a smooth victory here.

Hills said: "They have gone quite quick in front so I was happy to sit out the back and once we have hit the straight he has run on very strongly. He is a genuine, tough horse who has been running well at the [Dubai International Racing] Carnival as well."

There was something of a surprise in the Emirates Colts` Classic, a Prestige race over 1600m. Chris Taylor made all on Towaisann Al Reef who was supplying his trainer Mohammed Al Ketbi with his first winner.

Only Zamhareer Al Reef ever threatened with the pair a long way clear turning for home and Taylor said: "That was not necessarily the plan but I had little choice as he broke well and pulled his way to the front. He has kept on well though and it is a nice surprise."

Royston Ffrench and Saifaldin Deeb won the first race at Sharjah on Saturday and combined to win the opener again, this time a 1600m handicap, with Rahawan Al Reef.

Ffrench said: "Everything went to plan and I enjoyed a nice run on the inside. The yard were quite hopeful and he did it nicely."

Wayne Smith is another jockey in great form and partnered the Julio Peromingo-trained AF Qa`Ed to victory in the 1400m handicap. Smith produced his mount to lead close home and explained: "You would not want to hit the front too soon on him and the fact they went quick has really helped him."

Pat Dobbs and Doug Watson then combined to win the 1400m conditions race with MH Wafi who was clear 200m out but only just held the late challenge of Sarabella who was finishing fast.

Dobbs said: "We were dropping back in drip so stamina was not an issue but I was probably in front earlier than ideal. Luckily the line appeared just in time."